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Kevin Durant says he does not need to hold new Brooklyn Nets acquisition Ben Simmons’ hand after his latest setback as he bids to return to the NBA.
Simmons, who was traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Nets last month, received an epidural injection this week, further delaying any Brooklyn debut which is several weeks away at a minimum.
The 25-year-old has not played all season after sitting out the first half of the campaign with the 76ers citing mental health reasons after the fallout from their 2021 playoffs exit.
The Nets reportedly have hope he will play prior to the playoffs as he overcomes a back injury.
After Wednesday’s 113-111 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, Durant was asked how to keep Simmons engaged as he continues on the sidelines for even longer.
“He’s a grown man. He’s an All-Star. He’s a veteran in this league now,” Durant said.
“He’s gotta keep himself engaged. I ain’t ever gonna hold anybody’s hand in this league. He knows that.
“He doesn’t want anybody to make sure he’s being a professional. I can’t wait to get him back but we don’t want to rush him.
“Hopefully he gets back soon. I know he misses it.”
The Nets’ latest defeat leaves them with a 36-34 record, sitting in eighth in the Eastern Conference.
Durant finished with 23 points, six rebounds and 10 assists and Andre Drummond added 14 points and 17 rebounds for the short-handed Nets.
The Mavs triumphed courtesy of a Spencer Dinwiddie’s game-winning three-pointer on the final buzzer.
Dinwiddie finished with 22 points, while Luka Doncic added 37 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.
“When you watch that last play, just regret, wondering what the game would have been like if I didn’t go jump Luka right there, you know what I’m saying?” Durant said. “So in hindsight I wish I would have made a different decision, but it is what it is.”
